Free yourself first

Today, as we celebrate Mandela Day, we take a hurried 67 minutes to honour Nelson Mandela and his values through the act of giving. He is remembered for many deeds of goodwill, but also for his wisdom and how that is reflected in his “walk to freedom”. His acts may inspire us to do something good for 67 minutes, but his words have the power to change our hearts in a way that can make this world a better place today, tomorrow and for the next 67 years. These words surely found a place in my heart:

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” – Nelson Mandela, A long walk to freedom

To free our people from poverty, we must free our hearts from hatred. Only then can love fuel a lifetime of giving.